Discover Colombia

13/07/2024

https://www.facebook.com/travelombia/posts/998022978993890

08/02/2022

HONEYMOON IN COLOMBIA – CARTAGENA & BARÚ ISLAND

I was delighted to plan the honeymoon for newlyweds Harry and Antoinette!

Just a two hour flight from Florida made Colombia very appealing. They were immediately picked up at the airport and brought to their 5 star hotel in the Old City of Cartagena. Within a few hours of leaving the USA, the happy couple were already enjoying their welcome cocktail by the pool and listening to the rhythms of salsa in the distance...

The next few days included lots of exploring of the Old City, world class restaurants, and a trip to a natural mud volcano where people can bathe. I also organized a local guide for their second day - accompanied by their own private photographer.

Next stop was one of most beautiful places someone might ever find themselves. Barú Island...

A helicopter ride over the Caribbean brought Harry & Antoinette to their new home for the next week. Their 5 star hotel is in a class of its own, and offers visitors the perfect opportunity to get away from it all.

I organised a tree top bungalow which included their own private whirlpool bath that overlooked the beach. Bikes are provided for those that want to enjoy a wander around the island.

The hotel offers 3 amazing restaurants, 4 bars and a coffee shop. There was a complimentary cooking / cocktail class included and all snorkeling equipment, paddle boards and kayaks were provided.

One of the selling points of this hotel was its world class Spa treatments. For those that enjoy this type of thing, the massage salon is equipped with a Turkish bath, sauna, yoga salon, facial treatment room, thalassotherapy pool and neurostimulation cabin.

Safe to say, Harry and Antoinette loved every minute and returned to the states fully charged!

03/08/2021

CARTAGENA - COLOMBIA

Tourism is back in full force in Cartagena! I took a trip last week and it was amazing to see the place thriving once again. It really was business as usual...

With much of the world now vaccinated, it was really refreshing to see all the restaurants & bars (while still following biosecurity protocol) busy again. It felt like the good times were back.

Cartagena lies on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, so gorgeous beaches and Islands are easily accessible.

The Old Town (where I took these photos) is a Unesco World Heritage site. It is a very romantic city that has been superbly preserved, lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls. It is a stunning place, with a great energy that you feel the minute you enter.

The town is full of charming book shops, cafes, art galleries, bars and amazing restaurants. It is a must-see for visitors to Colombia.

17/07/2021

COFFEE FARM GETAWAY – COLOMBIA

One of the best things about a trip to Colombia is that visitors can enjoy many different types of experiences in one holiday. I always recommend a couple of days in the coffee region, where you can stay in a traditional working coffee farm.

The architecture of the main house is gorgeous and offers lush surroundings, water springs and nature. It is a lovely, calm experience where you can really recharge the batteries.

Unwind in the pool or lay in a hammock while enjoying a cup of fresh Colombian coffee. All of this... surrounded by a beautiful green landscape and exotic birds that are not shy. There are walking trails for you to explore and take photos.

Colombia is known for having some of the best coffee in the world and here, you can learn about the journey of the coffee bean from seed to your cup on one of the daily coffee tours.

There are also options for bird watching, hiking or bike tours.

24/06/2021

Earlier in the year, I organised a trip to Colombia for Mo Noubani, who is based in the USA. Here is a recent article he wrote for Luxury Travel Advisor about his experience:

https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/destinations/colombia-1?fbclid=IwAR22QR3RlAY-9sKQS5TnhOCuA8-1qXm2bQmhtS5qe5XM5GSU0toB-bZaXMs

Mo Noubani of The Travel Box International set off for a month-long adventure to Colombia earlier this year and is back with this report.

09/06/2021

PACIFIC COAST - COLOMBIA

For those who want to relax on beautiful beaches and avoid the crowds that you might find in other coastal areas of Colombia, I highly recommend a visit to the Pacific coast.

This area is famous for amazing whale-watching opportunities and pristine beaches. For me, a visit here always feels a little surreal as you can literally lodge in the Colombian rainforest (surrounded by nature) then walk straight onto a beach and into the ocean.

I really suggest checking out the El Almejal Reserve & Lodge. They just recently won the Travelers Choice Award for 2021 and it was well deserved. I have sent people here for years and I cannot recommend them enough.

There is a strong focus on eco-tourism and visitors always love their time here. It is a sun & sea experience with a strong twist of nature thrown in for good measure.

19/05/2021

LLANOS ORIENTALES (EASTERN PLAINS) – ANIMAL SAFARI – COLOMBIA

Colombia boasts some stunning wildlife and I really recommend the Eastern Plains for nature lovers.

Just a 1 hour flight from the capital, Bogotá - The Plains are considered one of the most important ecosystems in the world - home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 700 species of birds.

This is one of the best places to experience ecotourism through hiking, driving in open topped jeeps and crossing rivers by horseback – A Real Safari Adventure.

The Llanos (Plains) are home to thousands of “llaneros”- hard working people who have lived by traditional methods for hundreds of years.

Visitors can learn about local traditions - having a go at milking, lassoing and herding cattle for themselves.

The wide open plains also make room for some of the most epic sunsets and sunrises in the whole country.

This is perfect experience for people that are interested in private wildlife observation safaris, bird-watching tours and horseback riding adventures in Colombia's so-called "cowboy country".

27/04/2021

GUATAPÉ & El PEÑOL - COLOMBIA

Guatapé

This is a great place for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Medellín.
Just a short drive (around 2 hours) will take you to the town of Guatapé. This is called "The most colorful town in Colombia", because of its gorgeously decorated and brightly painted houses.

Guatapé is a charming, sleepy town - full of super friendly characters and a great spot to try different local street foods. Tasty snacks such as: cheese empanadas or arepas filled with shredded beef.
It is also a good spot for those who wish to pick up some local handicrafts.

El Peñol - The The Rock of Guatapé

Although, there are options to go zip-lining, take a tour boat or kayak on the lake of Guatapé, the main attraction is without a doubt - El Peñól.

This massive rock was formed millions of years ago and worshipped by the Tahami Indians (who previously inhabited the region), before the Spanish arrived in the 16th Century.

The rock soars over Guatapé at over 220m and the 360 degree views from above are so amazing - that they barely seem real!

23/04/2021

In January, I had the pleasure of planning a trip to Colombia for my new American colleague - Mo Noubani. Here is what he had to say about his experience!
https://www.travelweekly.com/South-America-Travel/Advisor-shares-experience-Colombia-trip

Mo Noubani of Travel Box International in Orlando turned a business trip into a nearly monthlong fam trip in the region.

17/04/2021

SANTA MARTA - COLOMBIA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWytfp00nj4&feature=youtu.be

En un rincón de Colombia se encuentra uno de los lugares más sorprendentes del mundo: el Tayrona. Es una tierra mística ubicada en Santa Marta, la ciudad más...

17/04/2021

SANTA MARTA - COLOMBIA

I absolutely love Santa Marta. Lying on the northern coast of Colombia, it is the oldest city here with stunning natural beauty.

This colonial city combines pristine beaches, mountains and rainforests that extend their way all the way into the sea. It is the ultimate place for travelers to relax and unwind.

It is close to "Ciudad Perdida" which translates as The Lost City and is 650 years older than Machu Pichu in Peru. This is a great trekking experience for those seeking a bit of adventure.

Also nearby, is the protected Tayrona National Park which has some of the most beautiful beaches that you are ever likely to see. For avid photographers, this is a real treat - as it is home to hundreds of species of mammals and birds. Four indigenous ethnic groups also inhabit the park.

12/04/2021

THE HUMBOLDT ROUTE - COLOMBIA

For those who want to get completely off the beaten track and totally disconnect, I really recommend "The Humboldt Route". This is not the typical tourist trap and is for those that really seek a sense of adventure.

Alexander von Humboldt was a German explorer. He travelled extensively through Latin America (1799 – 1804) exploring and describing it for the first time ever from a modern and scientific perspective. The route that I recommend, is the same route that he took in Colombia all those years ago.

During the trip, a person will encounter some of the most biodiverse areas in the world, a national park, water rapids, beautiful wildlife and indigenous communities. It is a photographer's dream.

One of the highlights of this trip are the Cerros de Mavicure (Hills of Mavicure), which you can see in my photos. This is considered a sacred site by the multiple ethnic groups in the area and is absolutely stunning.

08/04/2021

El País Más Acogedor del Mundo -"The Most Welcoming Country in the World"

When I first visited Colombia, over ten years ago - the first thing that I noticed, were how amazingly friendly the people are. I immediately felt at home.

Colombians are very proud, passionate people that welcome foreigners with open arms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo1EuWH9Q-A

Los colombianos somos parte de un país que demuestra ser acogedor de muchas maneras. Porque nuestra hospitalidad, amabilidad y la intención de convertirnos e...

04/04/2021

Chorro de Quevedo Plaza - Bogotá (VIDEO).

This is where it is believed that Bogotá was founded in 1538. This open space in the neighborhood of La Candelaria, is full of cool restaurants, bars and cafes. It is popular with street performers and a meeting place for college students.

You might notice a young boy selling bottles of "Chicha" in the video. This is a sour-tasting, traditional fermented corn drink with a low amount of alcohol. Maybe an acquired taste, but something worth a try.

04/04/2021

Chorro de Quevedo Plaza - Bogotá

This is where it is believed that Bogotá was founded in 1538. This open space in the neighborhood of La Candelaria, is full of cool restaurants, bars and cafes. It is popular with street performers and a meeting place for college students.

01/04/2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evR1hbm4-q4

SAN ANDRES - COLOMBIA

A tiny island in the Caribbean with white sandy beaches, a sea of seven colours and a cool ocean breeze. Those are just three reasons why San Andres is one of the world’s most beautiful islands.

I love to travel here. It's a tax free island that is known for its reggae vibes and breathtaking views. The nightlife isn't too bad either!

Cerca de cuarenta sitios para bucear; unas de las mejores playas del Caribe; un mar azul pero que también es verde y de tonos lila, y gente llena de generosi...

29/03/2021

CARNAVAL - COLOMBIA

Carnaval de Barranquilla is the second largest carnival in the world and is due to make a return in February 2022.

Barranquilla is located on the northern coast of Colombia and is where European, African, Indigenous peoples and cultures converged. This is a major celebration in the region and one big party that lasts 4 days.

27/03/2021

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/partner-content-seven-wonders-of-colombia

From animal encounters in rainforests to culinary experiences in historic cities, Colombia offers a heady mix of wild and cosmopolitan.